Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image

Ultrasound does not use radiation to obtain images. Instead, a water-based gel is used on the skin and a special probe is moved across the area to be imaged or scanned. The probe generates sound waves, which create a computer-generated image on the ultrasound machine’s screen. The most common use of ultrasound is for the evaluation of the maternal uterus and the developing fetus. Ultrasound also is used to image all soft tissue structures in the body for the diagnosis of diseases, all types of vascular structures and for guidance during interventional procedures. Ultrasound is safe and painless.